On November 23, 2010, the 25th annual survey of toy safety released by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) found seven perilous playthings, with five containing various chemicals that have been implicated in cancer, reproductive abnormalities, and learning disabilities.
NYPIRG found that certain baby toys, dolls and backpacks had high levels of phthalates –commonly used chemicals that have been linked to the early onset of puberty, lower sperm counts, and reproductive defects.
Meanwhile, two other toys had parts that posed choking risks, even though they met legal requirements. Two different train sets had parts that exceeded the legal standard by only a centimeter and carried a no choke hazard warning.
NYPIRG’s findings will be turned over to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has recalled 150 different toys as a result of the organization’s toy surveys.
How can you avoid risky purchases?
Check out www.toysafety.mobi on your smart phone to see if the toy is dangerous. The site accepts toy-related injury reports.
Contact manufacturers for an ingredient list for toys small kids are likely to put in their mouth.
Bring a toilet paper tube with you while shopping. Don’t buy any toys for kids under the age of three containing parts small enough to fit inside the tube.
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